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No association between Roaccutane and suicide
A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies addressing depression risk when taking isotretinoin (Accutane) found no increased risk for depression.
- Acne treatment appeared to ease symptoms of depression.
Why this matters
- Acne is a common condition and isotretinoin is the most effective therapy for stubborn nodulocystic acne.
- In 1998, the US Food and Drug Administration issued a warning with regard to isotretinoin and risk for depression, psychosis, suicide, and suicidal ideation.
- Studies addressing this possible link have been mixed in their findings.
Study design
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of 31 studies addressing depression in patients taking isotretinoin for acne.
- Funding: None.
Key results
- In 6 controlled studies included in the analysis, depression scores from baseline were not significantly different (and in fact, improved) in patients treated with either isotretinoin or an alternative therapy (standardized mean difference [SMD], −0.334; P=.058).
- Mean depression scores decreased from baseline (SMD, −0.335; P<.001).
Limitations
- No randomized controlled trials included in the analysis.
- High inter-study variability.
